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Windows and Doors are Fully Flashed

Guide describing how to install flashings to help direct water down and out of windows and doors openings in exterior walls.

Windows are sized and positioned so only one king stud is needed on each side of the window.

Performance of Windows in Walls With Continuous Insulation

Author(s)

Peavey John,

Shah Nay B

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs,

HIRL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

March, 2023

Technical report describing research aimed to provide window manufacturers with foundational guidance for installing windows in walls with continuous insulation (CI), addressing critical aspects such as evaluating common installation methods, establishing acceptance criteria for window performance...

Wrong – There is no flashing installed at the top of the window

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Window and door openings fully flashed

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong - this building provides no overhangs, minimal window shading, and clear window glass resulting in high solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Advanced Framing: Minimal Framing at Doors and Windows

Guide describing how to minimize framing around doors and windows to reduce heat losses and gains through structural framing.

Wrong - Bay window missing drywall gasket

Formable pan flashing and back dam for window

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

Wrong – There is no flashing installed along the sides of the window

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Walls, Windows, and Doors

Information guide describing things to consider before retrofitting walls, windows, and doors, including wiring, moisture protection, and lead paints.

Integrated Truss House - How to install inset windows

Publication Date

September, 2014

Author(s)

Benesch

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

Video describing how to install an inset window in an integrated truss house built in cold climates like Alaska.

2021 IECC Window Detail: CMU Wall with Stucco

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: CMU Wall with EIFs

Publication Date

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: ICF Wall with Stucco

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

Before installing the windows, the window rough openings are sealed with a liquid-applied flashing that provides a seamless moisture and air barrier to protect the wall from water intrusion.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2017 - 12:00

Advanced framing details include minimal framing at windows and doors.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Window has additional non-structural king stud

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Window framing has appropriate number of king studs

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – this commercial building employs good techniques to resist solar heat gain: awnings and pergolas over windows, recessed windows and entryways, deep tinting on glass, and shade plants.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right - Double-stud wall are boxed with plywood around windows and doors

After installing the house wrap over the SIPS, window flashing is installed

Publication Date

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 12:00

Advanced framing details include insulated headers over windows and doors.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Side and plan views of window-to-wall interface in masonry wall retrofit including three layers of rigid foam exterior insulation, box extensions, and flashing around new windows.

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

Right – Strategically placed trees provide shade to the south-facing windows of this building.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Calculate projection factor (PF) by dividing overhang (A) by length of window (B).

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

Pumpkin Ridge Passive House Video #15: Window Install Prep & Air Sealing

Publication Date

February, 2013

Video describing how to prep and air seal the wall cavity for window installation.

How To Strengthen Your Home for Under $10,000 – Roof, Walls, Windows, and Doors

Publication Date

September, 2014

Video interview explaining some basic guidelines to make your home more ready for severe weather for under $10,000. Recommendations from FLASH Strong Homes.

The double-wall construction results in thick window sills which builder market as an architectural feature.

Right – Appropriate use of framing members to support double windows and additional cripples for drywall purposes

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right - Covered porches protect the south-facing windows and doors of this building from solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Proper flashing around windows is especially important when the rigid foam serves as the drainage plane in the wall

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with Rigid Insulation and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

Extension boxes of plywood built around the windows on this wall retrofit will be flush with the outer layer of exterior rigid insulation

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with Thick Rigid Insulation and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

This simple decision tree can help homeowners and contractors make decisions about re-siding a home and upgrading windows

Publication Date

Mon, 05/16/2022 - 12:00

This detailed decision tree can help homeowners and contractors make decisions about re-siding a home and upgrading windows

Publication Date

Mon, 11/21/2022 - 12:00

Wrong - Stucco has rotted and cracked above a window because of water damage due to lack of proper flashing and drainage.

Publication Date

Tue, 11/12/2019 - 12:00

Right – There is flashing installed along the top of the window and the water-resistant barrier is layered over to create a complete drainage system

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with a WRB, Rigid Insulation, and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl) or Stucco

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

Right – the building on the right employs light-colored walls, deep tinting, and deeply recessed windows to minimize solar heat gain

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right - A smart vapor barrier wraps the walls and window frames of this home. Seams are taped to provide an air- and water-resistant barrier.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/29/2021 - 12:00

This simple decision tree can help homeowners and contractors make decisions about wall and window upgrades when re-siding a home

Publication Date

Thu, 04/14/2022 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with Plywood or OSB Sheathing, a WRB, and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl, or Stucco)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: Double Wall Framed with Plywood or OSB Sheathing, a WRB, and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum, or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

This simple decision tree can help homeowners and contractors determine options about wall and window upgrades when re-siding a home

Publication Date

Thu, 04/14/2022 - 12:00

Hurricane force winds that breach external windows and doors can then cause failure of the entire building due to internal pressures on walls and roof.

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/1992 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: Strapped 2x6 Framed Wall with Plywood or OSB Sheathing, a WRB and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

Right – thermal mass walls, small windows, and recessed porch and trees on the south side of this southwest home help to minimize solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right - Seams in coated sheathing and joints around window are properly sealed and flashed with tape and all nail holes are covered with paint-on sealant.

Publication Date

Sun, 08/15/2021 - 12:00

A piece of siding is used as sill extension and to provide slope in the opening for the window, which is deeper because exterior rigid foam has been added

Publication Date

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with Plywood or OSB Sheathing, a WRB, Thick Rigid Insulation, and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

In areas prone to high winds and hurricanes, double vertical “jack trim” and horizontal “header” and “sill” studs are recommended on all sides of window and door openings.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Right - New flashing has been installed to complete the air and water control layers at the window openings of this wall retrofit that includes insulating the wall cavities with spray foam

Standard Practice for the Installation of Mounting Flange Windows into Walls Utilizing Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing (FPIS) with a Separate Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB), FMA/AAMA/WDMA 500-16

Author(s)

Fenestration Manufacturers Association,

American Architectural Manufacturers Association,

Window & Door Manufacturers Association

Organization(s)

FMA,

AAMA,

WDMA

Publication Date

April, 2016

Guide describing the installation of windows in walls that have foam plastic insulating; guide provides several methods for attaching, supporting, and flashing windows in walls with rigid foam sheathing. (Note: The link only goes to the table of contents for the guide, the full guide can be...

Right - Tape flashing keeps moisture out around and below the window; extra tape reinforces the corners to prevent tearing of the house wrap and to keep water out of this critical juncture.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Wrong – This multi family building appears to be done in traditional southwest architecture but the lack of useful overhangs, dark colored walls, and lack of tinting on windows will result in significant solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right - Brick veneer is installed with a 1-inch air space behind the brick, metal flashing and weep holes above and below the windows and at the base of the wall to direct out water that gets behind the brick.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2004 - 12:00

Completed wall retrofit of masonry home (on right) showing new lap siding attached over four inches of rigid foam; windows were boxed with plywood to accommodate depth of foam plus 1x4 furring strips

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

Conceptual stack framing drawing

DWG

PDF

Manufactured insulated header

DWG

PDF

Site-built insulated header

DWG

PDF

Mini truss header - section

DWG

PDF

Outset header with head plate

DWG

PDF

Air sealing at skylight shaft

DWG

PDF

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: SMUD's Energy Efficient Remodel Demonstration Project

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2010

Case study describing a retrofit project in the hot-dry climate.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: SMUD's Energy Efficient Remodel Demonstration Project: Sacramento, CA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2010

Case study describing a retrofit project in the hot-dry climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Insight Homes: Deep Creek, Seaford, Delaware

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a home builder that has refined its home designs to achieve HERS scores of 49 to 56 on 40 to 70 homes per year.

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Next Generation Advanced Framing

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs,

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

HIRL,

PHI,

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Building America Top Innovation about advanced framing techniques for high-performance home construction.

Protection of Openings-Shutters and Glazing, FEMA Technical Fact Sheet No. 6.2

Author(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization(s)

FEMA

Publication Date

December, 2010

Technical fact sheet describing the selection and installation of storm shutters and impact-resistant glazing and other types of opening protection in windborne debris regions; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Nelson Construction: Hamilton Way, Farmington, CT

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing the design and testing of 10 high-performance homes in Farmington, Connecticut.

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: David Weekley Homes, Houston, Texas

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2009

Case study describing new home construction in the hot-humid climate, optimizing thermal enclosure, HVAC, water heating and lighting measures.

The 12-inch-thick double walls provide plenty of space for insulation.

Advanced framing showing open headers

Publication Date

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 12:00

Baffles will keep insulation out of the soffit vents and wind out of the insulation in this vented attic.

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2017 - 12:00

Right- Landscaping shades the entry on the south west corner of this hot dry climate building.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Single framed wall converted to double wall and insulated with closed-cell spray foam

Right – deeply inset entryways and overhangs provide shade to reduce solar heat entry to this building.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Right – Deep overhangs, pergolas, and covered entryways minimize heat gain in this commercial building in the hot-dry climate.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

Overview of Convection in Buildings

Publication Date

September, 2020

Author(s)

Dillon

Organization(s)

PNNL

This video provides an overview of convection in buildings, with an introduction to Newton's Law of cooling.

Wrong – The south side of this building in Arizona has very little architectural or landscape shading to block solar heat gain.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 12:00

DOE ZERH HIA 2017 Case Study: Thrive Home Builders, Lowry Plan, Denver, CO

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2017

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2017 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 38 without PV and 4 with PV.

Introduction to Heat Transfer

Publication Date

September, 2020

Author(s)

Dillon

Organization(s)

PNNL

This video provides an overview of heat transfer and discusses how heat transfer occurs in residential buildings.

Right – Appropriate door framing installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Dry Floodproofing

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video from LSU AgCenter describing dry floodproofing and how to dry floodproof your home.

Right – Verify continuous rigid insulation is installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Verify SIP headers are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Excessive and structurally unnecessary framing at door

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Hurricane Straps

Publication Date

September, 2020

Author(s)

FLASH Strong Home

Organization(s)

FLASH

Video describing hurricane ties and how they make your home more ready for severe weather by strengthening structural connections.

Right – Side flashing extends over the pan flashing

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Small Commercial Building Fact Sheet - Building Envelope

Author(s)

Southface Energy Institute

Organization(s)

SEI

Publication Date

November, 2016

Fact sheet describing building envelope performance measures applicable to residential and small commercial construction.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Headers

Guide describing how to insulate headers over doors and windows to reduce heat loss and heat gain through solid wood framing.

Right – Verify two member headers with rigid insulation between are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Verify single member headers with insulation on one side are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Prepare to Avoid the Dangers of Flying Debris

Publication Date

February, 2019

Video showing the importance of preparing your home for flying debris common in severe weather per IBHS FORTIFIED Home guidelines.

The Weather Channel - Protecting Openings

Publication Date

September, 2019

Video showing steps to take to prepare openings in homes for a hurricane or high wind event as explained by the Weather Channel and IBHS Fortified Home.

Retrofit Improvements: Flash and Seal Roof Penetrations

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

HIRL

Publication Date

June, 2020

Fact sheet describing flashing of roof penetrations to make a home more resistant to high winds, hurricanes, and rainwater intrusion.

Wrong – The corners are not properly flashed, leaving a vulnerable area in the drainage system

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

FEMA P-804 Envelope and Structural Assessment, Excerpted

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00